Relations between Canada and First Nations in the West (1867-1900): The Numbered Treaties, Indian Act, and Loss of Aboriginal Autonomy

This paper examines the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations during and after the first seven numbered treaty negotations (1867-1900). During this time, the government viewed First Nations as impediments to economic, political, and social development in western Canada. In...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Allard, Chris
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: HPS: The Journal of History and Political Science 2015
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hpsj.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/hpsj/article/view/39743
Description
Summary:This paper examines the relationship between the Government of Canada and First Nations during and after the first seven numbered treaty negotations (1867-1900). During this time, the government viewed First Nations as impediments to economic, political, and social development in western Canada. In order to secure land for newcomers and gain control of the West, the government negotiated treaties and passed legislation to control and assimilate the Aboriginal population (1876 Indian Act). As this paper explains, unjust government actions and broken government promises only made the relationship between First Nations and Canada more contentious during the late 19th century.